Career Options After 12th Arts: What to Do After 12th Arts?

Looking for Career Options After 12th Arts?

You have passed your 12th standard with arts as your specialization. Now, what? 

This is a question many students face today, but luckily, there are many options. A few years ago, 12th-year students didn’t have many options, but with the emergence of many specialized fields in education, there are many choices.

In the following blog, you will find information on all the best undergraduate degree options you have after finishing your 12th arts. You can match the degree, its subjects, and specialization with your skills and talents and choose accordingly. It’s always better to start pursuing education in the field you love from early on. Therefore, get all your information below and make the right choice.

What is the Arts Stream?

The arts stream at the senior secondary or 12th-grade level refers to the field of study focusing on subjects related to humanities and liberal arts. Some critical subjects offered under the arts stream are languages, literature, history, political science, economics, psychology and other related subjects. Choosing the arts stream indicates an interest in studying the human experience through various cultural, social and creative disciplines.

Students who opt for the arts stream at 12th have critical thinking, communication, research and analysis strengths. The arts stream provides a solid foundation for building upon these skills through higher education options related to humanities, social sciences or other interdisciplinary fields. It cultivates an appreciation for culture, philosophy and aspects of human civilizations.

List of Courses Available After Completing 12th Arts for Students

Many career options are available for students who have completed their 12th from the arts stream. They can pursue degree, diploma or certification courses in humanities, languages, creative arts, social sciences, media, hospitality and more. Here is a look at some of the popular course choices:

1. BA Courses After 12th Arts

• BA in English
• BA in History
• BA in Economics
• BA in Political Science
• BA in Psychology

2. High Salary Courses After 12th Arts

1. BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)

Average Salary: Rs. 3-5 lakhs

2. BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)

Average Salary: Rs. 2.5-4 lakhs

3. BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication)

Average Salary: Rs. 2-4 lakhs

3. 1-Year Diploma Courses After 12th Arts

• Diploma in Fashion Designing
• Diploma in Interior Design
• Diploma in Film Making

4. Career Options After 12th in Fine/Visual/ Performing Arts 

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Performing Arts
• Diploma in Photography

5. Career Options After 12th Arts in Designing 

• Bachelor of Design
• Diploma in Graphic Design

6. Career Options After 12th Arts in Hospitality/Travel and Tourism 

• Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)
• Bachelor of Tourism Administration

7. Career Option After 12th Arts in Media/Journalism

• Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
• Diploma in Public Relations

8. Career After 12th Arts Without Math’s

• BA in Social Work
• BA in Liberal Arts

9. Career Options After 12th Arts Stream in Language and Literature

• BA in English Literature
• BA in Foreign Languages

Top 15 Best Courses After 12th Arts

Choosing the right course for your graduation is essential as it is the most critical phase in your education. The right choice now will put you on a path of education and career success.

Here are the 15 best courses after 12th arts:

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA)

BA is the most common choice for most 12th-art graduates. The BA degree course is a 3-year undergraduate course perfect for those interested in performing and visual arts. This degree will help you hone your natural talents in arts, and you can choose from either of these specializations and make a creative career in professions like choreographer, illustrator, teacher, librarian, museum curator, writer, and filmmaker.

Salary on an Average:

A BA graduate can expect an average salary of Rs. 15,000-25,000 per month at entry-level roles.

Job opportunities:

• Teaching – Can apply for teaching roles at schools and colleges
• Content writing – For websites, blogs, articles, scripts etc.
• Event management – Plan and coordinate cultural events
• Media & entertainment – Roles in films, TV, advertising etc.
• Research – In fields of history, literature, culture etc.

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Arts:

• Times of India
• Hindustan Times
• Penguin Random House
• NDMC
• Prasar Bharti

2. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

If you are interested in managerial careers, you can do a BBA after your 12th arts graduation. The BBA degree is a 3-year course that will teach you all about business management and its aspects like finance, accounting, human resources management, operations, and marketing. These are also the specializations like marketing, finance, human resources management, and operations you can make a career in after completing the BBA course. 12th commerce and 12th science students can also do the BBA course.

Salary on an Average:

A BBA degree holder can expect an average salary of Rs. 3-5 lakhs annually at entry-level positions in various industries. With some years of experience, this salary range can increase to Rs. 8-10 lakhs annually for mid-level experience profiles.

Job opportunities:

• Marketing Manager
• Operations Manager
• HR Manager
• Finance Manager
• Business Analyst
• Brand Manager

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Business Administration:

• Accenture
• IBM
• Infosys
• Wipro
• HDFC Bank
• ICICI Bank
• Amazon
• Flipkart

3. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

If you dream of becoming an artist, you should enrol in the BFA degree course. This 3-year degree course is for students good at art, sculpting, or photography. Depending on the university and college you are pursuing the degree from, you can also specialise in performing arts and get a career in music, dance, and theatre. The BFA is an undergraduate degree for students who are inclined towards various artistic fields.

Salary on an Average:

A BFA graduate can expect an average salary of Rs. 2-4 lakhs per annum based on the specialisation and work experience. Freelance artists and performers may earn more based on the projects.

Job opportunities:

• Fine Artist
• Sculptor
• Photographer
• Musician
• Dancer
• Theatre Artist

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Fine Arts:

• Art Galleries
• Advertising Agencies
• Film and Television Production Houses
• Photography Studios
• Music Labels
• Theatre Groups

4. Bachelor of Journalism (BJ)

If you are a good writer or have excellent reporting skills, you should try for the 3-year bachelor of journalism degree course. This course makes you eligible to work in different media types like print, electronic, and digital media. There are many different kinds of high-paying professions in these media fields. Based on the specializations you choose during the BJ degree course, you can become a journalist, reporter, editor, copywriter, fact-checker, programme producer, etc. Interest in journalistic careers has increased in the past few years, so a BJ degree course will be a good choice.

Salary on an Average:

A BJ graduate can expect an average salary of Rs. 2.5-5 lakhs per annum at entry-level roles in media organizations. Experienced journalists and editors earn upwards of Rs. 8-15 lakhs annually.

Job opportunities:

• Journalist
• Reporter
• Sub-Editor
• Copywriter
• Anchor
• Programme Producer

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Journalism:

• Times of India
• Hindustan Times
• Indian Express
• NDTV
• ABP News
• Zee News
• India Today
• Economic Times
• Mint
• Scroll

5. Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Law (B.A. L.L.B.)

The BA LLB degree is for those interested in a law career. The BA LLB degree is a 5-year degree that you can do right after your 12th standard. The profession of law is one of the most respected professions in the country. During the course, you can choose to specialize in different areas like civil law, criminal law, tax law, patent law, corporate law, and labour law. Students who know about a law career usually pursue this course right after the 12th.

Salary on an Average:

A fresh law graduate can expect a starting salary of Rs. 2-4 lakhs per annum in a small law firm. Experienced lawyers in reputed law firms earn upwards of Rs. 10-15 lakhs annually.

Job opportunities:

• Lawyer
• Legal Consultant
• Legal Advisor
• Judge
• Corporate Lawyer
• Patent Attorney

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Art and Law:

• Amarchand Mangaldas
• Khaitan & Co
• J. Sagar Associates
• Crawford Bayley & Co
• AZB & Partners
• Trilegal
• Luthra & Luthra
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas

6. Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)

To pursue a career in BCA, you must have good technical skills and a keen interest in software and application development. This 3-year degree will help you get a robust and high-paying career in the IT industry. In the course, you are taught how to develop computer and mobile applications that solve many issues and create advancements in computer technology. The BCA degree is almost as good as an engineering degree. It will make you eligible for careers like software developer, application developer, data scientist, blockchain developer, and cybersecurity expert.

Salary on an Average:

A fresh BCA graduate can expect a starting salary of Rs. 2.5-4 lakhs per annum. Mid-level professionals earn around Rs. 6-10 lakhs per annum. Senior software engineers earn upwards of Rs. 12-15 lakhs annually.

Job opportunities:

• Software Developer
• Application Developer
• Web Developer
• Database Administrator
• Network Administrator
• Data Analyst
• Cyber Security Analyst

Popular Companies Hiring for Bachelors in Computer Application:

• TCS
• Infosys
• Wipro
• Cognizant
• Tech Mahindra
• IBM
• Oracle
• Amazon
• Microsoft
• Google

7. Diploma in Education (D.Ed.)

Get into the noble profession of teaching with a D.Ed. degree. You can pursue this course right after your 12th art. Some institutes offer direct admission based on your 12th standard scores, while some may require you to clear an entrance exam. The D Ed degree will make you eligible for a nursery school teacher job. Further education like B Ed and M Ed and specializations will make you eligible to teach in middle school, high school, and college. Teachers are essential to building the country’s education system, and this degree is worth considering.

Salary on an Average:

A D.Ed. graduate can expect a starting salary of Rs. 15,000 – 25,000 per month as a teacher in a private school. Government school teachers start at around Rs. 30,000 per month.

Job Opportunities:

• Nursery School Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• High School Teacher

Popular Companies Hire for Diploma in Education:

• Private schools like DPS, Ryan International, and Delhi Public School hire teachers with D.Ed. qualifications.
• Government and aided schools also recruit teachers with D.Ed.
• Coaching institutes like FIITJEE Vidyamandir Classes hire faculty with D.Ed.
• Kendriya Vidyalaya and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya recruit teachers with D.Ed.
• International schools like Greenwood High and The Shri Ram School hire teachers with D.Ed. qualifications.

8. Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM)

The BMM degree is a 3-year degree course that is growing in popularity. This degree makes you eligible to be a part of mass media like radio, internet, television, newspapers, and magazines. This degree is a mix of creative and technical knowledge, and you can make a career in either of the areas. Media is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, and the BMM degree helps you take advantage of this industry. Equipped with a BMM, you can choose from careers like journalist, content writer, columnist, event manager, sound engineer, reporter, news anchor, photographer, proofreader, fact-checker, and editor.

Salary on an Average:

A BMM graduate can expect a monthly starting salary of Rs. 15,000 – 25,000. Salaries vary based on the industry and organization.

Job opportunities:

• Journalist
• Content Writer
• Reporter
• Copy Editor
• Photographer
• Anchor
• Social Media Manager

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Mass Media:

• Times of India
• Hindustan Times
• NDTV
• ABP News
• Zee News
• India Today
• Star Network
• Radio Mirchi
• BBC

9. BA in Animation

The BA in animation is a specialized BA course that lets you pursue a career in animation. Animation is a fast-growing form of media that has many uses in communication. The 3-year BA in animation degree course will teach you all 2D and 3D animation subjects, including the technologies involved. There’s a high demand for 2D and 3D artists in the print, television, film, and gaming industries, and with this degree, you can make an excellent career in these industries. You can also choose to pursue a career as a graphic designer.

Salary on an Average:

An animation graduate can expect a starting salary of Rs. 15,000 – 30,000 per month, depending on the skills and experience. Salaries vary based on the industry, role and organization.

Job opportunities:

• Animator
• 3D Artist
• 2D Artist
• Visualizer
• Graphics Designer
• VFX Artist

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Animation:

• Toonz Animation
• Green Gold Animation
• Paperboat Animation Studios
• Maya Digital Studios
• Pentamedia Graphics
• Cosmos Maya
• DQ Entertainment

10. Bachelor of Design

The design industry, as a whole, is seeing one of its highest growth phases. The B. Des degree will help you join this growing industry. Previously, the B. Des degree was about fashion, textile, and interior design. Still, the course also gives students specialization options like multimedia design, VFX design, web design, and game design. It is a 4-year degree course and one of the best degrees to study if you want to become a professional designer. With a B Des, you can pursue careers in fashion, interior design, art direction, product design, UI/UX design, and graphic design.

Salary on an Average:

A Bachelor’s in Design graduate can expect a starting salary of Rs. 15,000 – 35,000 per month based on 

the specialization and skills. Salaries vary based on the industry, role and organization.

Job opportunities:

• Fashion Designer
• Interior Designer
• Graphic Designer
• UI/UX Designer
• Product Designer
• Web Designer

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Design:

• NID
• Pearl Academy
• Rachna Sansad
• IDC
• MIT Institute of Design
• National Institute of Fashion Technology
• Wigan and Leigh College

11. BA in Psychology

If you want to understand human psychology, the BA in psychology degree course is for you. The degree deals with the mind and how internal and external factors affect it. The degree also includes the study of human biology, social psychology, behaviour, human development, cognitive processes, and more. The BA in psychology degree is a 3-year degree course and will make you eligible for careers like psychologist, counsellor, sports psychologist, career counsellor, researcher, social worker, and behaviour analyst.

Salary on an Average:

A BA Psychology graduate can expect a starting salary of Rs. 15,000 – 30,000 per month based on skills and experience. Salaries vary based on specialization and the organization.

Job opportunities:

• Psychologist
• Counsellor
• Researcher
• Social Worker
• Career Counsellor
• Behavior Analyst
• Sports Psychologist

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in BA Psychology:

• Apollo Hospitals
• Fortis Healthcare
• Wockhardt Hospitals
• Mindler
• YourDost
• 1to1help.net
• Emotional Pangea

12. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Not many students know this, but there are professional degrees in social work, and the BSW degree is one of them. This 3-year degree course will make you eligible to work as a social worker. If you want to do good and improve the lives of people living in the lower strata of society, you can complete your graduation in BSW and start working in the many fields of social work. During the course, you’ll encounter subjects like social work research & statistics, social work administration, social problems in India, and social policies. You can find work in the government, government organizations, and non-government organizations. And don’t be under the impression this career does not pay well. Social workers and social educators get paid a good salary.

Salary on an Average:

A BSW graduate can expect a starting salary of Rs. 15,000 – 25,000 per month based on skills and experience. Salaries vary based on specialization and the organization.

Job opportunities:

• Social Worker
• Counsellor
• Child Welfare Officer
• Probation Officer
• Community Organizer
• NGO Manager
• Child Rights Activist

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Social Work:

• Childline India
• Save the Children
• CRY
• ActionAid Association
• Plan India
• World Vision India
• SOS Children’s Villages

13. Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)

The hospitality industry in the country is a significant and growing industry. If you can work in this demanding industry, you should pursue the BHM degree course. The BHM degree is a popular 3-year degree course that can take you towards excellent careers. You can choose to specialize in hospitality and tourism. With many international hospitality brands coming into the country and the government boosting the tourism industry, you can have an excellent career with a BHM degree. You can also choose to specialize in the culinary arts and become a chef, restaurateur, or catering services.

Salary on an Average:

A BHM graduate can expect a starting salary of Rs. 15,000 – 25,000 per month based on skills and experience. Mid-level professionals earn around Rs. 20,000 – 40,000 per month.

Job opportunities:

• Hotel Manager
• Restaurant Manager
• Chef
• Catering Manager
• Travel Agent
• Tourism Professional
• Cruise Staff
• Flight Steward/Air Hostess

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Hotel Management:

• ITC Hotels
• Taj Hotels
• Oberoi Hotels
• Marriott Hotels
• Hyatt Hotels
• Accor Hotels
• Lemon Tree Hotels
• OYO Rooms

14. BA in Humanities & Social Sciences

The BA in humanities & social sciences is the most popular BA degree undergraduate students choose. This degree allows you to pursue many other career areas like law, journalism, fashion, aviation, etc. The BA in humanities & social sciences is a 3-year course with subjects like sociology, history, geography, law, economics, and political science. During the course, you must choose a specialization, and you can make a career in that specialization. You can choose careers like an archaeologist, economist, content writer, content editor, air hostess & steward, and genealogist.

Salary on an Average:

A BA in Humanities & Social Sciences graduate can expect an average salary of Rs. 15,000 – 25,000 per month based on skills and experience.

Job opportunities:

• Researcher
• Content Writer
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Archaeologist
• Historian
• Politician
• Diplomat

Popular Companies hire for Bachelors inhumanities and Social Sciences:

• National Archives of India
• Times Group
• India Today Group
• Hindustan Times
• Thomson Reuters
• UNICEF
• BBC

15. Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC)

The BJMC degree course is for those who want to become a media professional or find work in the television or film industry. This is a 3-year degree course that has subjects like media writing, media law & ethics, media management, design & graphics, socio-economics & political scenarios of India, etc. You can also specialize in radio, television, films, journalism, advertising, and public relations. With a BJMC degree, you can pursue careers like a copywriter, filmmaker, editor, public relations manager, reporter, anchor, radio, and video jockey.

Salary on an Average:

A BJMC graduate can expect a starting salary of Rs. 15,000 – 25,000 per month based on skills and experience. Mid-level professionals earn around Rs. 20,000 – 40,000 per month.

Job opportunities:

• Journalist
• Copywriter
• PR Executive
• Film Director
• TV Producer
• Radio Jockey
• Anchor
• Video Editor

Popular Companies Hire for Bachelors in Journalism & Mass Communication:

• Times Group
• India Today Group
• Hindustan Times
• NDTV
• Zee News
• Star India
• Sony Entertainment
• BBC

Related Blog: Best Courses After 12th For Science, Commerce & Arts Students

Government Jobs After 12th Arts

There are several lucrative government job opportunities for 12th arts stream students. Some of the popular options are:

1. Staff Selection Commission (SSC) jobs – SSC conducts examinations to recruit staff for various posts in ministries and departments. 12th pass candidates can apply for Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Data Entry Operator, etc.

2. Bank jobs – Banks like State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, etc. recruit clerks and cashiers with a 12th pass qualification.

3. Indian Railways – Indian Railways hires candidates for jobs like ticket clerk, station master, etc., based on the 12th pass criteria.

4. Teaching – One can apply for the TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher) and PRT (Primary Teacher) roles in government/government-aided schools with a 12th qualification.

5. Police – State police departments recruit for constable and sub-inspector roles requiring a 12th pass certificate.

6. Indian Army – 12th pass candidates can join the Indian Army in technical and other roles.

How do you choose the best courses after 12th Arts?

Choosing the right course after 12th is extremely important as it lays the foundation for your future career. Here are a few tips to help you select the best option:

1. Identify your interests and skills: Choose a field that aligns with your aptitude and strengths.

2. Research career prospects: Check job opportunities and salary levels in different fields to help with selection. 

3. Consider your academic performance and entrance cut-offs: Choose a course that you can get admission into.

4. Talk to experts: Speak to seniors, teachers and professionals working in different domains to know more.

5. Check the program and subjects: Check course curriculum and specializations offered to select the best fit.

6. Consider location preferences: Whether you want to study near home or abroad.

7. Analyze the value of your degree: Analyze employability and higher education prospects after graduation for the course.

8. Don’t make gender based assumptions: Do not limit your options based on gender stereotypes. Choose what you truly enjoy.

Analyzing these factors will help you pick the most suitable course after 12th arts. Don’t forget to take guidance from mentors as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most common queries about career options after 12th arts:

Q1. Can we do BCA after 12th arts? 

Yes, students with a 12th arts background can pursue a BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications). They may have to clear entrance exams for admission to this course at some colleges.

Q2. Can I do BMS after 12th arts? 

BMS or Bachelor of Management Studies is another option that can be pursued after 12th arts. To get into top BMS colleges, students must attend entrance exams like MAH-BMS CET.

Q3. How did you join the merchant navy after the 12th arts? 

One way is to do a 1-year pre-sea course like B.Sc. Nautical Science and then appear for the Joint Entrance Examination conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping for merchant navy roles.

Q4. Can I do a D. in pharmacy after 12th arts? 

Yes, 12th-year arts students can earn a D. Pharmacy or a Diploma in Pharmacy after completing a bridge course in Physics and Chemistry.

Q5. Can I do BBA after 12th arts?

A BBA or Bachelor of Business Administration is another popular option for 12th-art students. They must qualify for entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, etc., for admission to top BBA colleges.

Summary

Contrary to belief, students who complete their 12th with arts as a specialization have many educational and career options. With many specializations emerging, it is an excellent time to be in the arts field.

One of the main advantages of arts education and career is that there is a mix of creativity and technical knowledge. Therefore, you can satisfy your creative urges and still make a high-paying career full of benefits and growth. So, if you have finished your 12th arts, you can choose to pursue any of the degrees mentioned above and get on your career path.